In the past few weeks, Boca Raton Police officers have investigated two incidents of a specific type of nationwide scam.
The victims received phone calls from an unknown person calling from 787, 786 and/or 347 area codes, all in Puerto Rico. The suspect tells the victim a family member has been kidnapped or was involved in a car accident and was kidnapped. The suspect tells the victim that if they hang up the phone or call the police, the family member will be killed.
Victims are instructed to wire money via Western Union to various people in Puerto Rico. The increments of money are generally around $1,000, said police. After the victim has complied with the instructions, they discover the family members are safe, unharmed, and had never been approached by anyone or were never in any danger.
If you receive a phone call like this, it is most likely a scam. Find a way to have someone else call your family member and try to notify police while you are on the phone with the caller. When speaking with the suspect, never add any information about the family member. Be aware that criminals are always looking for new ways to take your money or belongings. Never sent money via Western Union to a person you do not know. Kidnappers don’t use Western Union. Be alert, vigilant and report all suspicious activity, warn police.
If you have any information about these crimes or similar crimes, call Detective Max Del Valle at (561) 338-1302 or Palm Beach County Crime Stoppers at (800) 458-TIPS.